January 2014: Handling Grief

The Simple Life: De-Stress Now

Most of us may consider stress to be just a normal part of life. However, when not managed properly, stress can be damaging – contributing to insomnia, headaches, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

According to Tammy Birbeck, DO, an obstetrician/gynecologist with ProMedica Physicians, there are five simple things you can do to reduce or cope with stress:

1. Breathe – Making an effort to breathe in a slow and gentle pattern can calm the automatic nervous system and make you feel more relaxed in times of stress.

2. Sleep – Aim for six to eight hours of sleep each night to restore your energy and help your body repair damage caused by stress.